All about: Luteal Phase Defect & Vitamin B6

Remember girlies, this is just from research i've done, i'm not medically trained...I just waste too much time online. If you're at all worried talk to your GP who will discuss your problems with you and conduct any tests they feel are necessary.

Your luteal phase is the time between ovulation and your af. The average is 14 days but it can vary between 10-17 days. Most woman will find that their LP (luteal phase) stays the same every month as it's usually only the first half of your cycle that changes so often when woman think their AF (Aunt Flo - menstruation/period) is late the true case is that actually their AF (Aunt Flo - menstruation/period) is right on time, they just ovulated late. Your luteal phase only generally goes a bit off kilter if your fertility has been interupted through pregnancy, breastfeeding, miscarriage, birth control etc.

Some doctors say you need at least 10 day LP (luteal phase) to a) get pregnancy and/or sustain early pregnancy as it can be connected to progesterone. Many fertility experts prefer at least 12 day LP.

Some signs that you 'may' have a LPD

* Less then 10 day LP (luteal phase)

* Spotting and/or bleeding between Ovulation and your AF

* When charting your BBT (basal body temperature) you may find find that your BBT (basal body temperature) does not stay elevated for at least 10-12 days

Symptoms of possible low progesterone

* low back pain

* nighttime urination

* loose stools.

* Vaginal dryness

* Painful sex

* Depression

* Infertility

* reduced libido

* Irregularities in menstrual cycle

* Miscarriage / recurrent miscarriage

A Luteal phase defect cannot sustain a pregnancy because the uterine lining starts to break down as it would leading up to your AF (Aunt Flo - menstruation/period) and thus causes an early miscarriage (or chemical pregnancy)

As implantation doesn't happen until 6-12 dpo a LPD may not give an egg long enuogh to implant thus preventing pregnancy.

The main (but NOT the only) cause of LPD is low progesterone levels (you can request a progesterone test at 7dpo at your gp's to discern your progesterone levels if you think you may be deficient)

Progesterone helps thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for a fertilized egg to implant. When progesterone levels are insufficient, chances of conception are greatly reduced.

Sometimes it can be quite simple and a LPD can be improved by taking a Vitamin B6 supplement.

It is 'safe' to take up to 200mg a day but best to start at 50mg- 100mg as different people have different tolerances and it's better to up your dose then have to decrease it.

Most pre-natal vitamins only have about 2mg in them (though Asda brand have 10mg)

It's difficult to OD on B-Vitamins as they're water soluable and generally you will pee any excess out of your system. Talking about peeing, you're likley to have bright yellow wee when taking this supplement, so try not to be alarmed!

Many woman take the vit B6 as part of a B-vitamin complex with the other B-vitamins as they can complememt each other and work together.

Another way to correct this is that after doing tests your GP may prescribe clomid.

Some woman use natural progesterone cream too.

Other uses of Vitamin B6

Doctors since the 1940's have recommended using Vitamin B6 to help against morning sickness in pregnancy.

Comments (17)

Oooh this is sooo helpful - I have worked out through trial and error that I have LPD. Mine has been 8/9 days and this month has stretched to 13/14 from taking Agnus Castus and a slow release B-50 suppliment, both from Holland & Barrets. I'm allergic to most of the suppliments as they colour them with synthetic colouring and waste products so I couldn't take prgnacare and many of the others. So far these seem to be working. I have also had a head ache for the last week or so - maybe my progesterione levels are increasing too?!

Thank you so much for taking the time to find the above info, it is incredibly informative and I feel so much more positive! If nothing happens by Dec (will be 12 months) then I'm off to the docs armed with a whole year's worth of info, will accept no brush off from them whatsoever!

Emmapee79> I don't use pregnacare with my first two pregnances i used sanatogen but now i use asda, two bottles of vits for £4 and they have 10mg of B6 in too which is fab as most pregnancy and pronatal vits only have 2mg!

Bethybug u r the bestest!! started taking B6 last mnth but defo was taking 2 high a dose @ 200mg & was not agreeing wit me ... tis mnth am taking a 50mg tab & finding it no probs @ all (u r right bout the yellow wee lol!) any1 going 2 try B6 do start off wit a 50mg tab, as Bethybug said u can always rise the mg after a while

Thanks for all the info bethybug! It's kind of reasuring to know there are others out there with short LP's, and especially reassuring to know that it can possibly be fixed by B6 which i've been taking for a few weeks now.

According to Fertility friend, i ov'd on CD19, and not CD22 as i thought it was - so i'm hoping this means my LP (luteal phase) is a little longer than I first thought (AF due CD29ish).

You are passing a message to a BabyCentre staff member.
For the fastest help on community guidelines violations, please click 'Report this' on the item you wish the staff to review.
For general help please read our Help section or contact us.